It seems to me that more and more we’re finding new artists coming to country music from record labels that aren’t based in Nashville or the south. New York based labels like Republic Records have had recent success with artists like Eli Young Band and Pat Green but the label also found partners in Nashville to help promote the band’s music to country labels. Atlantic Records has done the same thing with the success of the Zac Brown Band and Uncle Kracker and Kid Rock coming with the help of Nashville-based third party promotional companies. Rarely has a label based in Los Angeles like Octone/A&M records signed an artist without seeking to promote their artist in Nashville. Enter in Miss Willie Brown.
The duo, which features a pair of fantastically gifted singers in Texas native Kasey and Virginia native Amanda, has gained a higher profile this year as they’ve appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and actually were guests on Adam Carolla’s podcast as well. The duo has a vocal style that’s as powerful as Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland mixed with a bit of Shelby Lynne’s edge for good measure. “Freeland,” their first single released to iTunes and Amazon earlier this month.
Not traditional country in a honky tonk sense, this is a torchy song about a lonely wife of a deployed soldier who must figure out a way to get along while he’s gone off to fight to protect our “freeland.” She imagines romantic couples on movie screens as her and her husband. The melody is lonesome and features steel guitar and subtle orchestral accompaniment in the background.
“Cause I died for my country too, every night I wait for you. If there’s a light in your sky, where you’re fighting tonight, Well that’s me fighting for you.”
The song ends with a verse that talks about his return and how the deployment has affected the relationship and the metaphor of “there’s a grave where our bed used to be” feels real and doesn’t make this song all about a perfect movie moment ending. “Freeland” is a real ballad about real emotions that real people have and that’s what makes it a really strong song and reason enough to keep an eye out for Miss Willie Brown in 2011.
You can support Miss Willie Brown by purchasing this song at Amazon.
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